Collapsible vehicle seat assemblies

ABSTRACT

A collapsible seat assembly includes first and second risers supported on a vehicle floor. The first and second movable supports are pivotally connected to the first and second risers, respectively, by first and second parallelogram linkages. Each movable support has a front end and a rear end. A lower seat cushion pan is pivotally connected to the front ends of the movable supports. A seat back and recliner mechanism is pivotally connected to the rear ends of the movable supports. The lower seat cushion pan and seat back are pivotally collapsible forward to substantially horizontal positions in which they are substantially flush and parallel with each other to maximize cargo space in the vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisionalapplication Serial No. 60/220,943, filed Jul. 26, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to collapsible vehicle seatassemblies which are collapsible to low, flat positions within thevehicle to increase cargo storage space within the vehicle.

[0004] 2. Background Art

[0005] Minivans of current design have relatively small cargo volumebehind the last row of seats when all of the seats are in place. Toenlarge this volume, the vehicle seats can be disconnected and removed.This type of seating system is disadvantageous because it is necessaryto disassemble, i.e., disconnect the individual vehicle seats from theiranchored positions in the vehicle floor and to store the vehicle seatsthat have been removed, outside the vehicle and these seats must bere-attached when additional passenger seating is required. As a result,the vehicle can be adapted only by expending considerable time to adaptto changing needs regarding passenger capacity and cargo volume.

[0006] Some existing minivans include stowable seats which are thefold-and-tumble type and can sometimes be removed from the vehicle.Their seat backs collapse forward and then the entire seat assembly tipsupward and forward 90° and sits up against the backs of the front seats.This provides more cargo space, but the seat still takes up somefore-aft cargo room.

[0007] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved stowableminivan seat assembly in which cargo storage capacity is increased.Specifically, it is desirable that cargo storage space be available upto the backs of the front seats.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the seat assemblyreconfigures in such a way that cargo room is available up to the backsof the front seats. In the reconfigured (collapsed) position, thesurfaces of the cushion and back which face up when in the stowedposition form a vehicle load floor.

[0009] A collapsible seat assembly in accordance with the inventionincludes first and second risers supported on a vehicle floor. First andsecond movable supports are pivotally connected to the first and secondrisers, respectively, by first and second parallelogram linkages. Eachmovable support has a front end and a rear end. A lower seat cushion panis pivotally connected to the front ends of the movable supports. A seatback and recliner mechanism are pivotally connected to the rear ends ofthe movable supports. The lower seat cushion pan and seat back arepivotally collapsible forward to substantially horizontal positions tomaximize cargo space in the vehicle.

[0010] Another aspect of the invention provides a vehicle seat assemblyfor a vehicle floor which includes a stowage cavity formed therein. Acollapsible seat is pivotally connected to the vehicle and positioned onthe vehicle floor adjacent the stowage cavity. The collapsible seat ispivotable from an upright position into a collapsed position within thestowage cavity. A sliding cover is positioned on the vehicle floor andselectively slidable between a first position beneath the collapsibleseat when the collapsible seat is in the upright position and a secondposition covering the stowage cavity. The sliding cover is operative asa vehicle load floor when in the second position.

[0011] Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a vehicleseat assembly for a minivan which is collapsible to a position whichallows cargo storage space up to the backs of the front seats.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a vehicle seatassembly which maximizes cargo storage space within a minivan.

[0013] A further object of the invention is to provide a collapsiblevehicle seat assembly which includes a seat back which may be dumped toa table position.

[0014] The above objects and other objects, features, and advantages ofthe present invention are readily apparent from the following detaileddescription of the best modes for carrying out the invention when takenin connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 shows side views in phantom of a vehicle seat assembly inaccordance with a first embodiment of the invention in variouspositions;

[0016]FIG. 2 shows side views of the seat assembly of FIG. 1 with therisers and tracks removed;

[0017]FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the seat assembly of FIG. 1 inthe design position;

[0018]FIG. 4 shows a side view of the seat assembly of FIG. 3;

[0019]FIG. 5 shows a front view of the seat assembly of FIG. 3 with theseat back and seat cushion pan in the upright position;

[0020]FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the seat assembly of FIG. 5 asthe linkages rotate toward a substantially horizontal position;

[0021]FIG. 7 shows a side view of the seat assembly of FIG. 6;

[0022]FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the seat assembly of FIG. 7with the cushion pan and back frame collapsed;

[0023]FIG. 9 shows a side view of the assembly of FIG. 8;

[0024]FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of two seat assemblies inaccordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1, with one seat assembly havinga seat back dumped to a table position;

[0025]FIG. 11 shows a seat assembly in a vehicle in accordance with asecond embodiment of the invention;

[0026]FIG. 12 shows the seat assembly of FIG. 11 with a stowage cavityfilled with various items;

[0027]FIG. 13 shows the seat assembly of FIG. 11 collapsed into thestowage cavity; and

[0028]FIG. 14 shows a third alternative embodiment corresponding withthat of FIG. 13, wherein a headrest storage pocket is provided on theseat back.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0029] The first aspect of the invention relates to a stowable secondrow mini-van seat, and is described below with reference to FIGS. 1-10.The second row mini-van seat is reconfigurable (collapsible) and willstow in a low, flat position against a vehicle floor in order to achieveas much as cargo room as possible without having to remove the seat. Theseat can also be stowed either above or below (i.e. recessed into) thevehicle load floor, depending on the floor pan type. The backs of thelower seat and seat back form the load floor when the seat assembly iscollapsed.

[0030] With the present invention, the seat reconfigures in such a waythat cargo room is available up to the backs of the front seats. Thesurfaces of the cushion and back which face up when in the stowedposition are made of a durable material, preferably plastic. There isalso a rotation stop to make sure the lower seat cushion and seat backA-surfaces (fabric) do not lay on the floor and become soiled.

[0031]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the seat assembly 10 in side viewsillustrating various reconfigured positions between upright and stowedpositions. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the seat assembly 10 inthe design position. The structure of the seat assembly 10 will first bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 1-3, and then the functionality of theseats will be described.

[0032] As shown, the seat assembly 10 includes a back frame 12 which ispivotally connected about a recliner pivot joint 14 for recliningoperations, and about a second pivot point 16, about which the backframe 12 may “dump” to a table position (such as that shown in FIG. 10).The back of the seat back will have an integrated plastic tray tablewith molded-in cup holders for use in the table position shown in FIG.10.

[0033] The recliner portion 18 at each side of the seat back frame 12 isattached to a pair of movable upper supports 20, 22. A non-structuralcushion pan 24 is also attached to the upper supports 20, 22. Theforward edge of the cushion pan 24 is pivotally connected at the pivotjoint 26 to the upper support 20, and similarly attached at the opposingside, for roughly 180 degrees of forward pivoting movement. The rearportion of the cushion pan 24 is attached on each side by a hook 29which latches onto a pin protruding from each upper support 20, 22.

[0034] The upper supports 20, 22 are pivotally connected to fourparallelogram-type linkages 28, 30 which are operative to rotaterearward and downward, as most clearly shown in FIG. 2, about the pivotpoints 32, 34. The pivot points 32, 34 are on the structural risers 36,38, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. As shown in FIG. 1, each front linkage 28includes a pin 40 near the upper end thereof. The pin 40 is positionedto lock within latches 42, 44, alternately, when the linkages are in theup and down positions. This engagement is shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. Thelatches 42, 44 are positioned on the risers 36, 38. The risers 36, 38are attached to a pair of fore-aft tracks 46, 48. The tracks 46, 48 arebolted to the floor 50 of the vehicle.

[0035] In order to collapse the seat assembly, the occupant pulls astrap which extends from the “bite line” (the interface between the rearedge of the lower seat cushion and the lower edge of the seat backcushion) of the seat. The strap (not shown) is operative to unlatch thehooks 29 to allow pivotal movement of the cushion and cushion pan 24from the horizontal position shown in FIG. 3, to the vertical positionshown in FIGS. 5 and 6. As the cushion and cushion pan 24 are rotatedforward, this rotation triggers, by cable connection, the unlocking ofthe latch 42 to allow pivotal movement of the front and rear linkages28, 30.

[0036]FIG. 5 shows a front view of the seat assembly 10 with the cushionpan 24 in the upright position before the linkages 28, 30 begin torotate. As shown in FIG. 5, the risers 36, 38 and tracks 46, 48 are wideenough to allow collapse of the rest of the seat assembly between therisers 36, 30 and tracks 46, 48 against the floor of the vehicle.

[0037] Turning to FIG. 6, the linkages 28, 30 continue to rotate towarda substantially horizontal position, and the upper supports 20, 22 arelowered to a position below the upper edge of the risers 36, 38. Thisposition is also shown in FIG. 7, wherein the linkages 28, 30 haverotated to the substantially horizontal position, and the pin 40 hasengaged the latch 44.

[0038] Between the positions of FIGS. 7 and 8, the cushion pan 24 iscontinued to rotate forward to the substantially flat position, and theback frame 12 is collapsed to the flat position when the recliner istriggered to dump the seat back forward.

[0039] In the stowed position shown in FIG. 8, the lower seat cushionsits upside down and the seat back sits flat with its back surfacefacing up and takes up the space formerly occupied by the lower seatcushion.

[0040] The underside of the cushion and the back of the seat back aremade of or covered by some type of durable plastic. The risers,linkages, and tracks are all outboard of the cushion and seat back,i.e., the cushion and seat back are narrower than the rest of the seatso they can rotate between the risers, linkages, etc. The seat alsoprovides a stowage area behind the seat back for the head restraint,which must be removed in order to stow the seat.

[0041]FIG. 10 illustrates the seat back frame 12 being pivoted about thesecond pivot point 16 to the table position. As mentioned previously,the back of the seat is preferably hard plastic with cup holders, etc.formed therein.

[0042] A further aspect of the invention is shown in FIGS. 11-14, and isan improvement over U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,581, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. This aspect of the inventionis for a third row minivan seat, but could be used in the second row.The seat described in Pat. No. 5,261,581 is a stowable seat that stowsinto a floor cavity behind the seat. The seat back folds forward flatagainst the cushion, and then the entire seat rotates rearward 180degrees to store into the floor cavity. The bottom surface of thecushion then becomes the load floor. The lower seat is a tubular designwith a sheet metal stamping that covers the entire bottom surface andacts as the load floor.

[0043] With the present invention, the seat movement in order to stowthe seat is the same, but the cushion (i.e., lower seat) construction isdifferent. The lower seat can be a simple tubular design withelastomeric suspension and a thinner foam pad compared with the currentseat design. (Because the current design uses a stamping, the foam mustbe thicker in order for the occupant to be comfortable and not to bottomout on the metal.) This will reduce the seat thickness in the stowedposition and also save weight. Since the stowed seat thickness isthinner than that of the conventional seat, two shallow indentationscould be made on the underside of the cushion to stow the headrestraints.

[0044] In order to stow the seat assembly, the head restraints must beremoved and stowed elsewhere. The head restraints may be stowed on theback of the seat backs. When the seat is stowed, a sliding cover can beslid over the seat to act as the load floor. This cover sits underneaththe seat when the seat is in its upright position, or it could be slidover the cavity to act as an elevated load floor if the objects (such assuitcases, boxes, etc.) are too big to fit in the cavity. The occupantscould also put stowable objects in the cavity, slide the cover over it,and use it either to hide the stowed objects or act as a second elevatedload floor.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 11, the seat assembly 110 includes attachmentjoints 112, 114 which attach the seat assembly to the sides of thevehicle. The attachment joint 114 is operative as a pivot joint toenable pivotal movement of the seat assembly 110 to the collapsedposition, shown in FIG. 13. The seat assembly 110 is collapsible into astowage cavity 116. A sliding cover 118 may be selectively positionedover the stowage cavity 116 to enclose various items 120, 122 within thecavity 116, or to enclose the collapsed seat assembly 110 within thecavity 116.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 12, when the seat back 130 is collapsed againstthe lower seat 128, the top surface 131 of the cushion of the lower seat128 is compressed to reduce the overall thickness of the collapsedassembly. FIG. 14 shows a storage pocket 125 for storing the headrest126 on the underside of the lower seat 128.

[0047] While the best modes for carrying out the invention have beendescribed in detail, those familiar with the art to which this inventionrelates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments forpracticing the invention without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible seat assembly comprising: first andsecond risers supported on a vehicle floor; first and second movablesupports pivotally connected to the first and second risers,respectively, by first and second parallelogram linkages, wherein eachmovable support has a front end and a rear end; a lower seat cushion panpivotally connected to the front ends of the movable supports; a seatback and recliner mechanism pivotally connected to the rear ends of themovable supports, wherein the lower seat cushion pan and seat back arepivotally collapsible forward to substantially horizontal positions inwhich the pan and seat back are substantially flush and parallel witheach other to maximize cargo space in the vehicle.
 2. The collapsibleseat assembly of claim 1, wherein said lower seat cushion pan and seatback are narrower in width than the spacing between the first and secondrisers so that the lower seat cushion pan and seat back are positionedbetween the risers when collapsed.
 3. The collapsible seat assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said first and second parallelogram linkages arecollapsed rearward in the vehicle when the lower seat cushion pan andseat back are collapsed forward.
 4. The collapsible seat assembly ofclaim 3, further comprising first and second latches connected to one ofsaid risers for selectively latching at least one of said parallelogramlinkages in upright and collapsed positions.
 5. The collapsible seatassembly of claim 1, wherein said back surfaces of said lower seatcushion pan and seat back face upward when collapsed.
 6. The collapsibleseat assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat back is pivotally connectedto the recliner mechanism for selective movement to a table position. 7.The collapsible seat assembly of claim 4, wherein one of said latches ispositioned to prevent fabric surfaces of the lower seat cushion and seatback from laying on the floor of the vehicle.
 8. The collapsible seatassembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second risers are supportedon a pair of fore-and-aft tracks.
 9. The collapsible seat assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said lower seat cushion pan includes a releasable hookfor selectively releasing the lower seat cushion pan for forward pivotalmovement.
 10. A collapsible seat assembly comprising: first and secondmovable supports pivotally connected with respect to a vehicle floor byfirst and second parallelogram linkages, wherein each movable supporthas a front end and a rear end; a lower seat cushion pan pivotallyconnected to the front ends of the movable supports; a seat back andrecliner mechanism pivotally connected to the rear ends of the movablesupports, wherein the lower seat cushion pan and seat back are pivotallycollapsible forward to substantially horizontal positions to maximizecargo space in the vehicle.
 11. The collapsible seat assembly of claim10, wherein said first and second parallelogram linkages are pivotallyconnected to first and second risers, respectively, supported on thevehicle floor, and the first and second risers are supported on a pairof fore-aft tracks.
 12. The collapsible seat assembly of claim 11,wherein said lower seat cushion pan and seat back are narrower in widththan the spacing between the first and second risers so that the lowerseat cushion pan and seat back are positioned between the risers whencollapsed.
 13. A vehicle seat assembly comprising: a vehicle floorincluding a stowage cavity formed therein; a collapsible seat pivotallyconnected to the vehicle and positioned on the vehicle floor adjacentthe stowage cavity, said collapsible seat being pivotable from anupright position into a collapsed position within the stowage cavity;and a sliding cover positioned on the vehicle floor and selectivelyslidable between a first position beneath the collapsible seat when thecollapsible seat is in the upright position and a second positioncovering the stowage cavity, said sliding cover being operative as avehicle load floor when in the second position.
 14. The vehicle seatassembly of claim 13, wherein said collapsible seat includes a lowerseat, a seat back and a headrest, said seat back having a recess formedon a rear surface thereof to house the headrest when collapsed.